What Type of Denture is Right for Me?
Posted on October 16th, 2023
According to the American College of Prosthodontists 36 million Americans are edentulous (have no teeth) 120 million are missing at least one tooth and of the edentulous population, 15% have dentures made each year. To keep up with the number of people missing one, some, or all of their teeth the dental community has innovated to offer people with tooth loss all kinds of options for teeth replacement. But, with all the options, how do you know what’s right for you?
Traditional dentures
When we hear the word ‘denture’ this is typically the denture we picture. It’s a false set of teeth that fit on top of the gums, secured with an adhesive. Traditional dentures can be life-changing for someone who has been edentulous. Dentures can increase a patient’s self-esteem and get them excited about smiling again. They are moderately priced and great for patients who don’t mind removing their dentures to clean them.
Partial dentures
Partial dentures fill the space of a smile for someone who has lost a few teeth. We can secure partial dentures with plastic or metal. Plastic partials may cause more damage to the soft tissues and teeth compared to removable metal dentures.
Implant-supported dentures
A common complaint from denture wearers is the anxiety and embarrassment when dentures slip, gap, click, or look unnatural. If you prefer a more permanent solution, implant-supported dentures might be a good option. Just like the name implies, we secure these dentures to the gums with dental implants rather than relying on nearby teeth or sticky adhesives. Dental implants are strategically and surgically placed in the jawbone. Once healed we can attach a custom denture for a strong, secure fit. To be a candidate for implant-supported dentures, you must have an adequate amount of jawbone for the implant to fuse to. Some other names used for implant-supported dentures are overdentures, All-on-4®, or snap-on dentures. People love implant-supported dentures because of the comfort and natural look and feel.
Immediate Dentures
Immediate dentures are a special denture procedure where a temporary denture can be placed the same day or within 24 hours of tooth extraction. After tooth extraction, it’s difficult to go back into the world with no teeth at all. With the immediate denture procedure, you will receive a temporary denture or implant-supported denture right away. The temporary can help with healing and maintaining bone structure and help the patient feel more confident immediately after their extractions.
Benefits of dentures
Dentures can transform the life of a patient with missing teeth. Dentures do more than allow a person to smile again. Dentures also help preserve the bone structure of the dental arches and jaw. Dentures can help people regain their ability to speak and eat a healthy diet. If it interests you to learn more about the dentures we offer, please call us today at Fuquay Family Dentistry.
The content of this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.
